I Keep Getting Turned Down For Interviews Any Advice?
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Colins Problem
I have been to five interviews and I have failed them all which is disappointing seeing as I have been out of work for 8 months. Do you have any advice?
The reasons given mainly have been that I didnt seem keen enough, that I wasnt animated enough, that I gave the correct answers at the interview but I could have expanded a bit more.
In each of the job interviews that I went to I was an exact match for the job specs so it is disappointing that I have drawn a blank so far with all 5 interviews when I need the money desperately.
What do they want me to do, start crawling for the job? Do they want me to have to go down on my knees and beg for it?
Id appreciate your advice.
ITContractor Comment
You really need a good kick up the backside!
Here you are at your wits end, out of work for 8 months, presumably with the wolf at the door, and yet you cant even get a little excited at an interview.
You must sound like a real boring drudge who isnt really interested in doing the job, but just wants the money just the kind of person that project managers dont want working on their project.
Theres no such thing as being owed a job. You have to sell yourself.
You have to make them believe that you are the guy, that they must have you, that you will be a big boon to their project, for your ability, your knowledge, your hard work and for your enthusiasm about the project.
It doesnt really matter that much if you are not that interested in their project and really do just want the money. They wont give it to you anyway unless they are convinced that you are the man.
You are very lucky to have got 5 interviews in the last few weeks. It looks likely that you will get other opportunities. Dont waste these too.
Preparation
Prepare beforehand. Ask your agent what type of people the interviewers are and for reasons why they have taken on people, or turned down people, in the past.
Ask the agent for any feedback that theyve had from people that theyve sent there for interviews in the past.
Look at the skills that the company want. Try to think of a good reason why you want to use these skills again, and bring this up at the interview.
Find out something about the company and try and think of a good reason why you would love to work at the company and say this at the interview.
If you happen to have been taken through the part of the building where you have been working and saw some of the people you would be working with, say that the office conditions look good and it seems like a good bunch of people there especially if you have talked to one or two for some reason or other, even if it was just while getting a cup of coffee.
Companies always want to gauge whether new people will fit in with their existing employees and contractors. This will help to make up their minds in this direction.
Look Interested
And above all, look interested in what they are saying and ask a few questions as they go along.
At the end of the interview when they say that theyll be in touch with your agent, say that you are keen, that you like the people, the location, the office and anything else that you can think about (but not the crumpet), and that you will await their decision in hope.
No one owes you a living. You havent got the job just because you have a skills match. They dont have to give you the job. You have to go out their and earn it.
So next time you go for an interview, be ready, be prepared, and give it your best shot, with all the enthusiasm that you can muster.
by: Gerry McLaughlin
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